Farming is an on going adventure for sure! There is always something new and exciting. Although our last working was not to accomplish something we had never done before, the incredible sense of satisfaction was still there.

Four families came together last month to butcher four pigs that had been raised off the table scraps of the Stokes’ and Mathews’ family land. Though we could have each stressed, worried and worked extra hard to complete this task alone, a community effort was far more enjoyable. We ladies donned our aprons, and the men folk sharpened their knives, and we had ourselves a good ol’ fashioned pig butcherin’, like the Amish.

First I must advertise a wee bit for the gentlemen hog and lady sow. Thought, the sight that comes to mind for most, is not altogether comely and attractive. There is a general mis-conception about pigs. Many feel that they are nasty, stinky, beastly creatures that must be raised on giant feed lots. But, I am here to speak on behalf of this poorly painted breed and put pig raising back on your to-do list.

There are so many benefits to raising a pig or two. They are truly one of the most economical investments you could make living on a small homestead. They require no more space then an outdoor dog and no bonding time. They can survive mostly on the scraps from your table and garden, along with a little bit of corn.(to make good lard) If you have a garden and can your veggies, your pigs will be in hog heaven with all of the leftovers, apple peels and pea shells are just a couple.

Pigs do not stink IF you simply do not give them enough water to make a pig sty out of their pig pen. Some people like to free range their pigs, however I do not really recommend it because they burn up too many calories.

So if I haven’t redeemed this wonderful breakfast treat and sold you on raising a pink pig with floppy ears and a curly tail, go ahead and scroll down and look at all the fun we had. (after all, you can’t eat a poodle.)

All aprons worn for this day’s event were created by Amelia’s Aprons. Pictured are 2 basic kitchen aprons, but also worn were the ruffles and curves apron, and a regency style apron that we did not get pictures of. It is often handy to have extra aprons around for company to wear, especially if you engage in these types of community projects.

The little moments One morning, about this same time last spring, I took a peaceful walk thru my pasture, across my creek, past the chicken coop out to my serene little pond with the long island in the center. The wind was toying with my hair and I was watching five fluffy yellow Canadian goslings trailing behind the mother and father goose. Then after awhile they scurried up the bank and I followed them back down the path towards my house. I picked a few wildflowers along the way that looked very much like the ones on my apron. I climbed on the back of my horse and trotted the rest of the way home with the wind tickling my cheeks. I am a Victorian princess in the 21st century that adorns herself in purple silk, cotton aprons and water boots who hikes about a farm. I tried to think of the best way to introduce you to my life on a farm and this picturesque April day is what came to mind. Of course a homesteader’s life is not always such a romantic bliss as what was described just now. There are the sad moments. (A loved farm creature lost.) The humorously degrading moments. (These I’ll leave to your imagination.) The maddening moments. (The laying hens eating your entire tomato crop). But during those times you simply synch your apron strings a little tighter, take off your white gloves and remind yourself that it truly is the small things that mean the most. It’s the smell of fresh baked bread, warm milk still in the pail, a note in the mail box or a bushy plant with bright red tomatoes. It’s that tiny moment when the sun is shining brightly and just that “life is good” feeling. Then just for a little moment you have the privilege of looking at the world thru rose-colored glasses. That moment, that feeling, can be few and far between. It comes and goes and bestows itself on whom it wills. As for me, no matter the season, I will continue to put on my silk dress, tie my apron strings, get mud on my boots and smile. Smile just because,…. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”~ unknown Remember to take time out of your busy day and enjoy what is around you. Whether you are in the country or the city, whether winter or spring, take a moment to breath.

“She who loves a garden loves the joys of simple living and peace on which no man can put a price.” ~ Mary Englebright

It’s that time again! The days we all look forward to with such anticipation. The days when the sun shines bright and we can feel it’s warmth on our face. We can wear a flouncy skirt and a floral apron and pick a daffodil which spring has so kindly welcomed into the world!

There is something soothing and surreal about the spring-time. It is comfort for the soul, withered by a long winter. It helps us come to the recollection that it is finally time to bloom again! I think that women every-where have always welcomes with open arms, Lady Spring.

It is pleasant to imagine Laura Ingalls Wilder walking the prairie in calico apron, feeling the same warm thoughts as I do. And it seems to me that the crocuses, daffodil’s, Iris’s and other early spring flowers that can withstand the hardships of the cold nights and last winter frost are the ones that bloom so very beautifully.

“The true way to live is to enjoy every moment as it passes, and surely it is in the everyday things around us that the beauty of life lies.” ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

~My Apron String~

I tied my apron strings and waltzed into the kitchen

To do all the things, that cans’t be kept waiting!

And there by the sink waits a mountain of dishes,

And there all just for me,

I just smile and start to sing, cuz I know;

I’ve tied my apron strings!

There never done, there never thru,

There’s always some, just for you.

But tis a happy enterprise

One that makes you ever wise,

I don’t complain;

Nope, it’s against the rules.

You might think your work is awfully cool;

But the perks of my job

Make me feel like a queen,

Once I’ve tied –My Apron Strings.

~ Renee Stokes